Sohoton Cove National Park Tour: Caves, Lagoons, Snorkeling

Sohoton Cove is a stunning natural wonder with limestone cliffs, turquoise lagoons, and hidden caves. You can explore mystical jellyfish sanctuaries, swim in emerald waters, and kayak through enchanting rock formations. This region is accessible by boat from Siargao Island and is best visited during high tide for cave access. One of my favorite memories while staying on Siargao was our overnight trip to Sohoton Cove National Park in Bucas Grande Island. It reminded me so much of island hopping in El Nido!

Sohoton Cove Complete Guide

In tis blog post, I’ll share with you everything you need to know about visiting Sohoton Cove. When I visited it was a bit of a DIY adventure but now there are tours running daily such as this one: Sohoton Cove Budget Tour.

How to go to Sohoton Cove National Park in Bucas Grande Island.

There are two main ways to get to Sohoton Cove National Park. You can either DIY it or join a day-tour. There are pro’s and con’s to both approaches but the daytour is probably enough for most people.

On my initial trip, to get to Sohoton Bay Resort we had to use a few different types of transport. This is how we made the journey

• Motorbike from General Luna to Dapa (Can get a taxi or tuk-tuk
• Ferry from Dapa to Socorro ($3), which takes about an hour
• Private van to the wharf
• Small longtail boat to accommodation.

Nowadays, there is a very affordable day-tour that takes you to most but not all of the sites we visited: Sohoton Cove Budget Tour. On this tour you get to to experience the following:

• Hagukan Cove
• Stingless Jellyfish
• Tiktikan Island
• Magkokoob Cove
• Cliff Diving
• Diving Cafe

Sohoton Cove Location on Bucas Grande Island

Sohoton Cove is in Bucas Grande Island and only a one-hour hour boat trip from the popular tourist island of Siargao. Here is a map so you can find out where it is in relation to your current destination:

Sohoton Cove National Park Itinerary

You can do an overnight trip similar to us or you can do just day trip. Either way, your full-day itinerary will be the same you might just miss the sunset or get home very late. Whereas, for us, we got to relax during the sunset have some drinks at Sohoton Bay Resort and head back to Siargao in the morning. Once we were in the Sohoton National Park area this was Sohoton Cove Itinerary:

Tojoman Lagoon

Tojoman Lagoon is a serene, emerald-green lagoon tucked within Sohoton Cove. Surrounded by limestone cliffs and lush jungle, it’s perfect for kayaking, swimming, and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.

Tojoman Lagoon had water so blue it reminded me of Kawasan Falls. I don’t understand how something can be so milky blue right next to crystal clear water around the corner. This is really the gem of the tour of Bucas Grande Island and it was the most relaxing part of the Sohoton Cove National Park tour and equivalent to Kayangan Lake in Coron.

Tip: this is the most epic place to drone from. You won’t see it until you are in the air!

Crystal Cave in Bucas Grande Island 

A hidden treasure on Bucas Grande Island, known for its stunning rock formations and shimmering stalactites. Explore its chambers filled with crystalline formations that sparkle under the light. Best visited with a guide for a safe and immersive experience. Venture deep into this epic cave system. I mean really deep. We walked several hundred meters into the cave with our guide. Watch out for stalagmites and bats.

You can also squeeze down a small tube for several hundred meters. It’s so tight that we all came out covered in mud! This is not one for claustrophobes!

Hagukan Cave on Bucas Grande Island

Hagukan Cave on Bucas Grande Island is a stunning natural attraction known for its glowing emerald waters. The cave’s waters shimmer due to a combination of sunlight and bioluminescent plankton, creating a surreal, otherworldly effect. Accessible only during low tide, visitors swim through a small opening to enter the cave, where the calm waters and limestone formations add to the magical atmosphere. The cave’s tranquil ambiance and glowing waters make it an unforgettable experience for adventurers and nature lovers alike.

This was the craziest damn cave ever! To start with you swim in an entire way to the back, which extends over 30m. Once inside Hagukan Cave, if you splash the water you will soon discover why this is labeled as the luminescent cave.

Sohoton Cove National Park is full of lots of surprises but this was something that stood and an experience I will never forget. The water will glow electric blue as you splash. We were like a big bunch of kids splashing about, fascinated by the glow!

Magkuku-ob Cave on Bucas Grande Island

We thought the Hagukan Cave would be by far the best cave and the highlight of the day but shortly after we visited Magkuku-ob Cave.

Magkuku-ob Cave on Bucas Grande Island is a remarkable limestone cave known for its crystal-clear waters and dramatic rock formations. Visitors can explore its underground chambers, swim in the cool waters, and marvel at the unique stalactites and stalagmites.

You swim into the cave then climb up into the cave before emerging at a 5-meter cliff jump back into the lagoon where you began! It’s a good height for everyone and a great group activity. What an adventure spot this is. I wrote another blog post  you might like if you are into adventure: 9 Awesome Cliff Jumping Spots in Siargao

Sohoton Gamay Resort Diving Board

Our tour guide parked the bought at a pier to a bit of a random looking resort. However, it had a 5-meter diving board. They knew us too well. 30 flips and crash-landings later my head was full of water and we had the best time! Definitely, try and stop here if your guide is up for it.

Tiktikan Lagoon

Behind the resort is a huge lake, called Lake Tiktikan also known as Tiktikan Lagoon. Definitely, make the five-minute walk over the hill to check out how peaceful it is.

Sunset in Sohoton Cove National Park

Finally, you should end your day on a beach or in your boat like us, enjoying this epic region as the sky lights up. We were blessed with an absolute belter of a sunset. Fiery red marked the end of the best day ever!

Where to stay in Sohoton National Park

These two resorts below are the best two options if you want to stay overnight in Sohoton. The daytrip is the most convenient way to visit the region, but staying overnight gives you a more immersive experience in Sohoton where you can enjoy sunrise, sunset and a peaceful trip.

Club Tara Resorts

Club Tara Resort is one of the most unique hotels in Siargao. This rustic retreat features bungalows perched over the water’s edge. The rooms offer floor-to-ceiling windows, and large soaking tubs with lagoon views. It’s the best area to stay in Siargao if you want to totally disconnect and enjoy the sights of Sohoton Cove outside of busy island hopping tour times. That said, the resort could use a refresh, and guests should expect the remoteness of the resort to be felt.

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Club Tara Resort

Club Tara Resort

• Overwater Rooms
• Amazing Views
• Remote Location

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Enchanted Cove Resort

Enchanted Cove Resort is another over-water accommodation in Socorro. True to its name, this no-frills accommodation is charming and tranquil. It features 2-story huts built on stilts over the aquamarine lagoon, with a footbridge leading to the main lounge.

There, you can find the shared bathrooms, a bar, and a restaurant serving breakfast. The resort offers activities such as island hopping, caving, water sports, and snorkeling. It’s not a luxury resort, but it is one of the best places to stay in Siargao for a unique experience.

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Enchanted Cove

Enchanted Cove

• Rustic Vibes
• Natural Setting
• Overwater

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Best time to visit Sohoton National Park

The best time to visit Sohoton National Park is during the dry season, from March to October, when the weather is sunny, the waters are calm, and visibility is ideal for exploring caves, lagoons, and marine life.

• March to May (Peak Season): Best weather with clear skies and calm seas, perfect for swimming, kayaking, and cave exploration. Expect more tourists.
• June to October (Shoulder Season): Still great for visits with occasional rain showers, but fewer crowds. The lush greenery is at its peak.
• November to February (Wet Season): Heavy rains and rough seas can make boat trips unpredictable, and some caves may be inaccessible due to high water levels.

For the best experience, plan your trip during the dry season, ideally in the morning when the tide is right for accessing caves like Hagukan Cave and Magkuku-ob Cave.

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